MS unveils first app for Android

Microsoft is to make its Tag bar code scanning application available on Google's Android platform, in a move suggesting the software giant is not afraid to partner with its arch rival to promote its products, writes Computing.co.uk.

The application allows smartphone users to photograph bar codes on products, and gain information such as videos, reviews and contact details. Tag is the first application Microsoft has released on the Android system.

Benjamin Gauthey, digital marketing manager at Microsoft, said in a blog post that demand for the application was one of the factors behind the move to Android as the company looks to offer the product to all smartphone users.

A US federal judge has sent Apple and Nokia lawyers to their respective corners until the feds get their chance to sort through the competing patent infringement claims, reports The Register.

US District Court in Delaware signed an order staying litigation, pending decisions by the US International Trade Commission on the matter.

Nokia sued Apple in the court in October 2009 over the alleged violation of 10 patents used for the iPhone. The handset maker inferred it had approached Cupertino with licensing terms, but was turned down.

Technology that could see an end to the bane of many commuters - people talking loudly on their mobile phones - has been shown off by researchers, reveals the BBC.

The prototype device could allow people to conduct silent phone conversations.

The technology measures the tiny electrical signals produced by muscles used when someone speaks.

Glendale officials have jumped on the Google bandwagon ‑ introducing a “Google4Glendale” Web site as part of its campaign to be chosen as a test site for Google's experimental high-speed Internet system, says Glendale News Press.

Under the company's “Google Fibre for Communities” pilot programme, one or more cities will serve as test locations for the company's super high-speed fibre-optic network. The high-speed Internet service will be available to all residents and businesses at a competitive price, officials said.

To be considered, the city must have a population between 50 000 and 500 000, and easy access to utility infrastructure for quick installation of the network, according to the company. Level of community support, climate, local resources, approved construction methods and local regulatory issues will also be taken into account.